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Brother Louis Laperle, also known as “Brother Philip,” was a member of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart (SC) who served as a teacher and/or principal at Notre Dame Academy in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, a school within the Diocese of Worcester. In 2003, a man came forward alleging that Laperle had molested him in 1968 when the individual was a student at the school. At the time of the alleged abuse, Laperle held a position of educational authority over students at the school.
Laperle departed Massachusetts in 1969 for Rhode Island and did not return. Following the 2003 allegation, criminal charges were filed. In April 2004, Laperle was acquitted by a jury on charges of assault and battery related to the 1968 incident. The DA’s office noted that the accusation involved conduct that would today be charged as indecent assault and battery, but because that charge did not exist in 1968, it could not be applied in the criminal proceeding. Following his acquittal, Laperle retired from active ministry. He died in October 2021.
With decades of dedicated advocacy, we have held abusers and institutions accountable, helping survivors secure justice and the resources to move forward.
For over two decades, we have focused solely on advocating for survivors, combining legal skill with compassion to guide them toward justice and healing.
We are honored to have guided thousands of survivors through the legal process, offering support, advocacy, and the resources they need to reclaim their lives.
The criminal acquittal of Brother Louis Laperle did not extinguish the civil legal options that may be available to survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Criminal and civil proceedings operate under different legal standards, and an acquittal in a criminal court does not determine the outcome of a civil claim. The distinction is significant: criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, while civil cases are decided on a lower standard — the preponderance of the evidence.
The Laperle case also illustrates how the limitations of historical criminal statutes can prevent full accountability through the criminal justice system alone. The conduct alleged in 1968 could not be charged under a statute that did not yet exist, leaving survivors with few criminal remedies. Civil courts, however, are not bound by the same historical statutory constraints, and claims may focus on the harm suffered and the responsibility of the institution that employed and supervised the accused.
When a religious order places members in schools where they supervise students, the institution bears a responsibility to exercise reasonable oversight. Civil litigation in cases involving religious orders and their affiliated schools may examine whether proper safeguards were in place, whether complaints were addressed, and whether the organization acted to protect students in its care. These institutional questions are central to the civil accountability process and serve a broader purpose beyond individual compensation, contributing to transparency and systemic reform within the institutions responsible for overseeing these individuals.
Every survivor deserves compassion and acknowledgment. This video explains how civil law empowers individuals harmed by clergy abuse to pursue accountability and closure. Justice extends beyond courtrooms; it allows survivors to reclaim their voice and aids them on their healing journey. Survivors across Massachusetts continue proving that truth carries strength and healing begins with being heard.
Our experienced and compassionate team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff have extensive training in working with sexual abuse victims.
These cases are complex; however, our team are experts in these types of cases and will diligently ensure our clients are compensated for full and fair value. We always do our best to help our clients heal by giving them a voice
and helping them seek a measure of justice.
Massachusetts Disclaimer:Herman Law has a multistate practice representing victims of sexual abuse in civil cases. A Herman Law attorney is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts. Each case is different, and results in prior cases do not assure a similar outcome in future cases. If there is no recovery, no fees or expenses will be charged. Attorney Advertising by Jenny Rossman.
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